Hatching the Universal Egg (Part of the Birth Project)

Hatching the Universal Egg (Part of the Birth Project)

The work is needlepoint on fabric. A black figure with cream-colored outlines takes up the majority of the composition. The figure is seated, facing the viewer. The figure's legs are spread open and bent at the knee and its buttocks and feet appear as though planted on some sort of flat surface which holds it up, although that surface is left undefined for the viewer. The figure's arms interlock with its legs, each arm hooked under the leg below it, only to cross one another across its chest. Its hands are holding an oblong cream colored form that seems to have broken apart in two pieces, and which is very much like an egg which has been cracked open from top to bottom. The figure's head is highly stylized, to the degree that it is almost denatured by the perspective and forms used to render it. It appears to be tipped forward at about a 90 degree angle to that of the body, so that we see only the bridge of its nose as if seen from above and with no other features visible. The figure's face is connected to ten black, curvilinear lines which radiate from it. These lines are thinner near the figure's face and then grow thicker as they travel upward and outward, terminating at the top edge of the composition while also spaced apart from one another, allowing the background to be seen between them. The overall effect is that of hair streaming away from the face. The figure has many heavily stylized qualities; its toes, for instance, are widely exaggerated in terms of the curviness of the lines used to define them, and the figure's arms and legs are depicted in an uncomfortable position that most bodies would be unable to create. The background of the piece contains a plethora of colors; dark pinks and purples radiate from behind the figure's head and behind its spread buttocks. The colors grow less saturated as they get farther away from the firure. There is more intensity in the lower third of the composition, which is dominated by a radiating band of color which moves out from the area of pink and purple and from the figure, in a sequence of dark blue, dark green, and light green. A less prominent band of blue emanates from behind the head, a continuation of the pinks and purples. Yellows are employed at the top left and top right of the piece. The piece is highly textured. The fabric that makes up the black figure is rippled, especially in the right leg. The broken object the figure is carrying has an especially tightly woven texture to it.

Judy Chicago (1939-) is an artist, author, feminist, educator, and intellectual whose career now spans five decades. Her influence both within and beyond the art community is attested to by her inclusion in hundreds of publications throughout the world. Her art has been frequently exhibited in the United States as well as in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, a number of the books she has authored have been published in foreign editions, bringing her art and philosophy to readers worldwide.

https://cdm16120.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/fineart/id/753/rec/5

St. Catherines University Library and Archives

1984

St. Catherine University

This image may not be reproduced for any reason without the express written consent of the St. Catherine University. Contact the Visual Resources Library regarding rights to this collection. 651-690-6639

18 x 18 in

English

Embroidery

2013.0.1284